1.72 Ct. Semi-Black Opal from Australia

This translucent Semi-Black Opal presented by The Natural Gemstone Company is a finely proportioned 1.72 carat cushion shape gem, with dimensions of 13.15 by 6.13 by 3.22 millimeters, cut in a tablet style that emphasizes the stone's broad face and luminous play of color. The tablet cut yields a thin, low profile cabochon that allows light to enter and interact with the opal's internal structure, producing dynamic flashes of multi color play that are immediately visible to the eye, the stone shows vivid color intensity and an excellent polish, and it has not been subjected to any enhancement. Originating from Australia, this opal benefits from the geological environments that produce the most sought after opals in the trade, and the semi black body tone provides a subtle darkening that increases contrast and makes the colors read with greater saturation than in a typical white opal, yet it retains a pleasing translucency that allows internal depth to be appreciated.

From a clarity and grading perspective, this specimen has been evaluated as very slightly included, evaluated at eye level, a practical and market relevant grade for opal given the way these gems form. Opal inclusions typically appear as thin potch bands, tiny mineral flecks, or minute structural irregularities rather than the fractures or crystal inclusions seen in many colored stones, and a very slightly included grade at eye level indicates that these characteristics do not detract from the visual performance of the gem under normal viewing conditions. The vivid play of color indicates high uniformity and favorable silica sphere stacking at the nanostructural scale, which is the physical basis for the diffraction of light that produces the opal phenomenon, purchasers who understand opal value will recognize that intense, evenly distributed play of color, combined with a semi black body tone and excellent surface polish, commands a premium relative to comparable stones with washed out color or heavy potch. The tablet cut and cushion silhouette also influence optical behavior and mounting options, making this piece especially suitable for designs where the face of the stone is the focal point.

For the educated buyer assessing investment and wearable potential, several practical considerations make this opal attractive. The Australian origin is important because Australian opal fields are widely regarded as producing stable, high quality material, and the designation of no enhancement is a key factor when comparing retail offerings, untreated natural opals generally hold value better and are preferred by collectors and designers seeking authenticity. In terms of setting recommendations, the tablet cut and relatively low profile are ideal for protective bezel settings in rings and pendants, and the cushion outline provides pleasing symmetry for custom work, a thin profile also reduces the risk of impact damage in rings, while the semi black background enhances color contrast in both light and low light conditions. Care for this opal should follow best practices for hydrated silica gems, avoid exposure to extreme heat, sudden temperature changes, and harsh chemicals, clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaning, store the opal separately in a padded compartment to avoid abrasive contact. At The Natural Gemstone Company we provide full disclosure on origin, enhancement status, and measured properties, and we encourage buyers to request additional high resolution images, documented measurements, and independent certification if desired, these steps help ensure confidence in provenance and quality, and reinforce the long term desirability and marketability of a naturally vivid Semi-Black Opal with the attributes described.